PLAYER RATINGS | OGC Nice 0-0 Lorient: Olivier Pantaloni held to draw in Lorient reunion

PLAYER RATINGS | OGC Nice 0-0 Lorient: Olivier Pantaloni held to draw in Lorient reunion Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Matchday 1, 22/08/26 At an empty Allianz Riviera, OGC Nice and FC Lorient saw out a goalless draw (0-0) as both sides rang in a new era with new managers in the dugout. The Match In many ways, the start of this season felt like a continuation of the last. As they did in the relegation play-off, Nice played in front of an empty Allianz Riviera, and the continued presence of uninterested owners INEOS gave rise to questions about the club’s direction. The Manchester United minority shareholders saw a sale of the club follow through during the off-season; the club is still officially for sale. But certain aspects marked a break from the previous regime. The starting XI was filled with largely unknown academy products making their breakthroughs, but more than anything else, it is the arrival of Olivier Pantaloni as manager that marks a welcome fresh start. In his first official game as manager of  Le Gym,  he came up against his former side, and it was Lorient who had the better of the first 30 minutes.  Mamadou Koné, unmarked and just six yards out, got nothing on Gabin Bernaerdeau’s cross; he ought to have scored. But Lorient’s best chances were handed to them. Djibril Coulibaly handed the ball straight to Arthur Avom, who fed Jean-Victor Makengo. His shot from the edge of the box was just inches wide. It was difficulty playing out from the back that was Nice’s downfall again just seconds later. This time it was an error entirely of Yehvann Diouf’s making. He played the ball out to former teammate Bernardeau, who couldn’t beat the Senegal international one-on-one – a redemption of sorts.  It was the visitors who continued to look the more dangerous into the second-half and it was Diouf who was the first goalkeeper to be tested. He didn’t know a lot about it, mind. After Théo Le Bris’ close-range drive was blocked, the ball came out to Noah Caidou, whose effort was deflected at close-range by Bernardeau. Diouf was in the right place to block with his torso. Nathan N’Gooumou had a chance with almost his first touch in a Nice shirt. But fed inside the box, he hesitated, failed to work a shooting angle, and saw his close-range effort deflected over. Moments later, in injury time, Tosin Aiyegun did have a clear sight of goal, but he put his free header over. A let-off for the home side. The spoils were shared; the start of the Pantaloni era at Nice and the Alexandre Dujeux era at Lorient get off to a rather underwhelming start.  OGC Nice player ratings Yehvann Diouf – 5 Xavier Mandza – 7 Making your professional debut is always a big moment. It is normal for nerves to show, especially when you are debuting in a position that isn’t your own. Mandza certainly didn’t show any evidence of nerves. He was composed on the ball, error-free, and, as you would expect given that he is a midfielder by trade, he was excellent on the ball; his long passing was particularly impressive. An excellent start to his professional career. Youssouf Ndayishimiye – 6 Antoine Mendy – 4 Melvin Bard – 5 Everton – 6 Djibril Coulibaly – 4 Jonathan Clauss – 6 Given the captain’s armband, there were promising signs. His level for much of last season was quite alarming for a player who remains in the conversation for the France national team. This was a more accomplished performance, particularly defensively. He swept up nicely.  Sofiane Diop – 5 Gauthier Hein – 4 Zoumana Diallo – 3 With Elye Wahi reportedly incoming, Diallo didn’t do his argument for minutes this season too much good. He failed to act as a focal point and lacked the instinct inside the box to get himself in goal-scoring positions. It was only logical that he was the first to be replaced by Mohamed-Ali Cho on the hour mark. Selected Lorient player ratings Gabin Bernardeau – 4 The former  Nicois  will be glad to have got himself in goal-scoring positions but disappointed by his execution when he did get into them. He did well to intercept for his glaring chance in the first half but really should have beaten a stranded Diouf. Nonetheless, Nice’s decision to let him go for such a nomial fee (€1m) this summer looks misguided. There is a player there.  Mamadou Koné – 3 Noah Cadiou – 6 Arthur Avom -7  The key man in this Lorient side. Excellent in both phases of play. His tracking back saved his side in transition. He has composure under pressure when on the ball, too, and a faultless touch that allows him to get out of sticky situations. The instigator of counter-attacks, too, he was near-faultless on the night.  GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from  Nice